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10 Ways Cars Are Changing

A smoking rates continue to decline, ashtrays will make way for other features.

Advanced collision warning systems that can sense potential problems two vehicles ahead are becoming more popular.

Physical car keys are being replaced with smart keys and eventually smart phones. Apps, like OnStar RemoteLink, are being created that will allow you to unlock and start your car.

CD players/DVD systems are being replaced by LCD screens that connect to your smartphone.

Vehicle to vehicle communication (V2V) will help avoid 70-80 percent of crashes. One example is automatic braking if you approach a vehicle too quickly.

Customers are loving how newer cars get more miles per gallon and that trend is continuing to grow. An example is stop-start technology, where the care engine will shut off when the car is at a complete stop.

Lane keeping/departure systems that will alert drivers if they are getting too close to the lines.

The days of the stick shift car are numbered as most consumers opt for an automatic transmission.

Rear view cameras and blind spot cameras are already available on some cars, this may become a standard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mandated cars sold in the U.S. should come equipped with a backup camera by 2018.

More cars are not coming with a spare tire to save weight and space. Some now come with run-flat tires or a flat-fixing kit.